Matt Hancock has also been thought to be angling for the job by abandoning his opposition to crashing out without a deal.

Nicky Morgan

(Picture: Rex Features)

Nicky Morgan, who was sacked by Theresa May as education secretary in 2016, could be making a comeback to the cabinet.

She had previously ruled herself out of serving under a Johnson cabinet.

But she recently told Bloomberg: ‘I think I need o have a conversation about what exactly Boris’ plans were for Brexit.

‘It’s difficult to say without having had the question asked. I do have a view that if you’re asked to serve your country, which is effectively what being in cabinet is, you should say yes, but these are extraordinary times.

‘However I do also think that having a broad spread of opinions around the cabinet table is important.’

Priti Patel

(Picture: REUTERS)

The former international development secretary has been predicted to make a return to cabinet and could become party chairman.

She resigned from her role after a row about meeting Israeli politicians which were not officially disclosed to Parliament.

Michael Fallon

(Picture: Reuters)

A potential rival to Amber Rudd to replace Jeremy Hunt as foreign secretary is former defence secretary Michael Fallon.

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He resigned from his role in November 2017 after admitting that his past behaviour towards women had ‘fallen short’.